Question
My yucca cane dried out. It has a hole in the trunk and it slowly dried out. But the side shoots are still strong and growing and from the bottom, poking out of the soil, there are 2 more shoots starting to grow. Do you think that the main shoots will keep growing even though the trunk is dried and dead? Or will I have to cut them off and root them? They're about 2 feet in height. Will it be ok if I root the them like that or would I have to cut them back to the new growth and try to root them there? Thanks!

Answer
Hi Kem,

This is an instance where a photo would be very helpful. Is the hole like a donut hole right through the center of the cane?

If the cane is indeed dried out and dead or dying, then it is a matter of time before the stems growing out of that cane also die. New shoots emerging from below the soil at the base of the cane are often a good indication that the cane is dying.

If this is the case, then it is best to sever the healthy stems a few inches below the lowest healthy leaves and root the stems in water or at the base of the existing plant or in their own small pot filled with damp potting mix.

I have written articles on plant propagation and on Yucca cane care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com